Sikhism

Background and beliefs: Sikhism is a monotheistic religion whose roots lie in the Punjab in the late 15th century. The Sikh scripture is the Guru Granth Sahib, a compilation of teachings of 10 gurus (or prophets), the first of whom was Guru Nanak and the last was Guru Gobind Singh. The first two words of the Guru Granth Sahib state that there is only one God (Ek Onkar), and that by implication followers of other religions worship that God. Tenets of Sikhism include leading a good life, providing charity, worshipping God, and obedience to His commands.

Leaders: There are no Sikh priests, only granthis, who act as guides and interpreters of the Guru Granth Sahib, although all followers are encouraged to understand the Guru Granth Sahib in their own right.

Places: Harmander Sahib ("The Golden Temple") in Amritsar, India has a historical significance, and there are many other important gurdwaras ("houses of God").

Community: The British Sikh community stands at about 500,000, with concentrations in Birmingham, Bradford, Cardiff, Coventry, Glasgow, Leeds, Leicester, Greater London (especially Southall) and Wolverhampton.

Important dates:January 6: Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh - the 10th and last Guru and founder of the Khalsa brotherhood, a spiritual Sikh group devoted to purity of thought and action. April 13: Baisakhi - commemorating the founding of the Khalsa brotherhood. June 13: Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev - the fifth guru and first Sikh martyr. October 19-23: Diwali - festival celebrating the release of the sixth guru from prison. November 24: Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth guru.